ManyWriters

My boyfriend meticulously prepared gifts for six visits to my family, yet not once did he actually make it there.
The first time, his childhood sweetheart fainted at home due to low blood sugar.
In the dead of winter, he left me alone at an unfamiliar toll booth, disappearing without a trace.
The second time, his childhood sweetheart attempted suicide at home over a man, slitting her wrists.
He had already reached my doorstep, but thrust the gifts into my hands and turned away.
I've argued with him, thrown tantrums, but to no avail.
"Can't you stop being unreasonable? We can visit your parents anytime, but can human life wait?"
Today marks his sixth time at my doorstep, and the sixth time he's abandoned me after receiving a call.
My parents' reactions have evolved from initial anger and confusion to resignation and exhaustion.
"Do you still want to go through with this marriage?"
Looking at my parents, their hair half-grayed from worrying about my marriage, I threw out all the gifts my boyfriend had brought.
"Of course I'm getting married, and it'll be a grand affair. But I have someone else in mind for the groom."

Boyfriend Fired By Me

"Damien, what are you doing here? I told you not to pick me up."


Melody turned pale with shock and quickly walked over to clutch Damien's arm.


"Em, Damien and I have some business to attend to, so we'll be going now."


But Damien stood rooted to the spot, staring at me with a hint of nostalgia in his eyes.


"Em, it's been so long since I've seen you look so vibrant."


A dusty hoodie paired with work pants, and I was still carrying a heavy hiking backpack from my recent trek.


I certainly couldn't see anything particularly vibrant about my appearance.


"Back in college, you used to participate in all those club activities. Every time you came back, you'd be covered in dirt, but your eyes were always sparkling like they are now, full of life and energy."


"Em, it's been so long since I've seen you like this. Have you been... doing well lately?"


Seeing Damien's heartfelt expression made my stomach churn.


Chapter 8